Aircraft control surface drive system and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A control surface drive system having a plurality of actuator assemblies are coupled to first and second supply lines and to a return line. The first and second supply lines are connected to a source of hydraulic fluid. At least one of the actuator assemblies has a hydraulic actuator movably connectable to an aircraft control surface. A flow control assembly is connected to the return line and to at least one of the first and second supply lines. A bypass line is in fluid communication with the first and second supply lines and positioned to recycle the hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second supply lines back into the other one of the first and second supply lines when the hydraulic actuator moves toward the first position. A computer controller operatively interconnects the plurality of actuator assemblies and the flow control assembly. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims (37 C.F.R.§1.72( b )).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to drive systems for aircraft controlsurfaces, and more particularly to hydraulic drive systems for movingand controlling the aircraft control surfaces.

BACKGROUND

All aircraft include movable control surfaces for directional control inflight. Such control surfaces can include ailerons for roll control,elevators for pitch control, and rudders for yaw control. In addition,most conventional jet transport aircraft typically include leading edgeslats and trailing edge flaps on the wings. These devices can be used togenerate high lift during takeoff and landing when the aircraft istraveling at relatively low air speeds.

Federal aviation regulations (FARS) impose airworthiness standards onlift and drag devices for transport category aircraft. For example, FAR§25.697 requires that such devices (e.g., trailing edge flaps) mustmaintain selected positions (e.g., extended positions) without furtherattention by the pilot. This requirement applies at all times duringflight. Thus, lift and drag devices must be able to maintain extendedpositions even in the unlikely event of a general failure of theaircraft's power system.

Trailing edge flaps (“flaps”) on jet transport aircraft typically deployaft of the wing and downward to increase wing area and camber. The flapsare typically powered by a drive system having a drive shaft thatextends longitudinally inside the wing and is coupled to a central powerdrive unit. The drive shaft for each wing is connected by a system ofgears to a series of ball screws and linear actuators distributed alongthe length of the wing adjacent to the flaps. Rotation of the driveshaft in a first direction causes the ball screws to rotate in acorresponding direction, thereby extending the flaps on the wing.Similarly, counter rotation of the drive shaft causes the ball screws tocounter-rotate, thereby retracting the flaps. Flap drive systems aremechanically interconnected to provide wing-to-wing symmetry of thetrailing edge flaps on both wings. Such wing-to-wing symmetry, orequivalent, is required by the current FARs. These conventional drivesystems, however, can be very heavy and costly.

Hydraulic drive systems with linear actuators have also been used forflap drive systems. For safety purposes, these hydraulic flap drivesystems are typically designed to include built-in backup or redundantsystems. Accordingly, the hydraulic flap drive systems are powered bytwo hydraulic systems and utilize twice as many linear actuators as arerequired to handle the system loads. The resulting hydraulic flap drivesystems tend to weigh more and cost more than the drive systems usingthe drive shafts and gears.

SUMMARY

Aspects of embodiments of the invention are directed to drive systemsfor aircraft control surfaces, such as trailing edge flaps and leadingedge slats. One embodiment provides an actuator control system forcontrolling first and second control portions. The system comprisesfirst and second supply lines and a return line coupleable to a sourceof fluid. A fluid-driven actuator is connected to at least one of thefirst and second control portions. The fluid-driven actuator is in fluidcommunication with the first and second supply lines. A flow controlassembly is connected to the first supply line and to the return line.The flow control is configured to control the flow of fluid in onedirection from the first supply line to the fluid-driven actuators andto control the flow of fluid in another direction from the fluid-drivenactuator to the return line. A bypass line is in fluid communicationwith the first and second supply lines and is positioned to providefluid from the second supply line into the first supply line at aposition intermediate the source and the fluid-driven actuator.

Another embodiment provides an aircraft system having first and secondcontrol surfaces, a source of hydraulic fluid, a first control systemcoupled to the first control surface, and a second control systemcoupled to the second control surface. Each of the first and secondcontrol systems comprises first and second supply lines coupled to thesource of hydraulic fluid, and a return line coupled to the source ofhydraulic fluid. A hydraulic actuator is connected to at least one ofthe first and second aircraft control surfaces. The hydraulic actuatoris movable between first and second positions, and is configured toreceive hydraulic fluid from the first supply line when the hydraulicactuator moves toward the first position. The hydraulic actuator is alsoconfigured to receive hydraulic fluid from the second supply line whenthe hydraulic actuator moves toward the second position.

A flow-blocking member is coupled to the first and second supply linesand is movable between an open position and a closed position. Theflow-blocking member, when in the closed position, prevents movement ofthe hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic actuator. A flow controlassembly is connected to the return line and to at least one of thefirst and second supply lines. A bypass line is in fluid communicationwith the first and second supply lines. The bypass line is positioned todirect hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second supply linesinto the other one of the first and second supply lines upstream of thehydraulic actuator. The bypass line recycles the hydraulic fluid backinto the other one of the first and second supply lines when thehydraulic actuator moves toward the first position. A computercontroller operatively interconnects the first and second controlsystems.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method of making a controlsurface drive system. The method can include connecting first and secondsupply lines and a return line to a source of fluid, and connecting aplurality of fluid-driven actuator assemblies to the first and secondsupply lines and to the return line. The method can also includeconnecting the fluid-driven actuator assemblies to at least one controlsurface and connecting a flow control assembly to the return line and toat least one of the first and second supply lines. The method can alsoinclude connecting a bypass line to the first and second supply lines ina position to direct fluid from one of the first and second supply linesinto the other one of the first and second supply lines at a positionintermediate the source of fluid and at least one of the fluid-drivenactuators when the at least one of the fluid-driven actuators movestoward the first position to recycle the fluid back into the other oneof the first and second supply lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic, top isometric view of an aircrafthaving a control surface drive system configured in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the control surface drive system ofFIG. 1, which includes a plurality of actuator assemblies.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of one of the actuator assembliesof FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another embodiment having a plurality ofcontrol surface drive systems shown coupled to a hydraulic fluid sourceand a common flight control computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes drive systems for use with aircrafttrailing edge flaps and other aircraft control surfaces. Certainspecific details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.1-4 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of theinvention. Other details describing the well-known structures andsystems often associated with aircraft, and more specifically withaircraft control surface drive systems, are not set forth in thefollowing description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the descriptionof the various embodiments of the invention.

Many of the details, dimensions, and other specifications shown in theFigures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of theinvention. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details,dimensions, and specifications without departing from the spirit orscope of the present invention. In addition, other embodiments of theinvention may be practiced without several of the details describedbelow.

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic, top isometric view of an aircraft 100having a control surface drive system 102 configured in accordance withan embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of this embodiment, theaircraft 100 includes a fuselage 104 and wings 106 (shown as first andsecond wings 106 a and 106 b) fixedly attached to the fuselage. Eachwing 106 can include a number of movable control surfaces forcontrolling the aircraft 100 during flight. These control surfaces caninclude trailing edge flaps 108, leading edge slats 110, and ailerons112. The trailing edge flaps 108, which are shown as an inboard flap 108a and an outboard flap 108 b, are used for generating increased liftduring takeoff and landing of the aircraft 100.

In operation, the control surface drive system 102 can move the flaps108 between a retracted position (shown by solid lines) and an extendedposition (shown by dashed lines). In the extended position, aerodynamicforces on the flaps 108 may be substantial. The control surface drivesystem 102, in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations, should beable to hold the flaps 108 in the extended position against theaerodynamic forces without any input by the pilot of the aircraft 100,even in the event of a general power failure. Accordingly, the controlsurface drive system 102 can be configured to lock the flaps 108 in theextended position, the retracted position, or any intermediate positiontherebetween against the aerodynamic forces, as discussed in greaterdetail below. Although the foregoing discussion refers to the flaps 108for purposes of illustration, the discussion is equally applicable todriving other control surfaces that function in a similar manner and aregenerally subject to the same functional requirements imposed on theflaps, such as the slats 110.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the control surface drive system 102 ofFIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Inone aspect of this embodiment, the control surface drive system 102(“system 102”) includes a plurality of actuator assemblies 120 connectedto the flaps 108. In the illustrated embodiment, two actuator assemblies120 are connected to the inboard flap 108 a and two actuator assembliesare connected to the outboard flap 108 b of each wing 106 (FIG. 1). Theactuator assemblies 120 are extendible and retractable to drive theflaps 108 between the extended and retracted positions in directresponse to instructions from the pilot.

The actuator assemblies 120 each include a hydraulic actuator 122 thathas a head end 124 and a rod end 126. The hydraulic actuator 122 isconfigured to receive high pressure hydraulic fluid in the head end 124or rod end 126 to move the respective actuator assembly 120 betweenextended and retracted positions. The high-pressure hydraulic fluid isreceived from the aircraft's primary hydraulic system 128, which alsocontrols a variety of other hydraulically driven systems in the aircraft100 (FIG. 1). The primary hydraulic system 128 has a hydraulic fluidsource 130 and a primary electrical power source 132.

The system 102 has two hydraulic supply lines 134 that connect to eachactuator assembly 120. The first supply line is referred to as an extendline 136 because it directs hydraulic fluid to the actuator assemblies120 for movement of the flap 108 toward the extended position. Theextend line 136 is coupled at one end to the hydraulic fluid source 130and coupled at the other end to the head end 124 of each hydraulicactuator 122. The second supply line is referred to as a retract line138 because it directs hydraulic fluid to the actuator assemblies 120for movement of the flap 108 toward the retracted position. The retractline 138 is coupled at one end to the hydraulic fluid source 130 andcoupled at the other end to the rod end 126 of each hydraulic actuator122.

In the illustrated embodiment, the system 102 is configured so eachhydraulic actuator 122 is normally always pressurized toward theretracted position. A check valve 140 is connected to the retract line138 to prevent backflow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic fluid source130. Another check valve 142 is connected to the extend line 136 toavoid backflow of the hydraulic fluid toward the hydraulic fluid source130.

The system 102 also has a hydraulic fluid return line 144 coupled toeach actuator assembly 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the returnline 144 is coupled at one end to the head end 124 of each hydraulicactuator 122 and is coupled at the other end to a system return 146 inthe aircraft's primary hydraulic system 128. The system return 146 isconfigured to return the hydraulic fluid back to the hydraulic fluidsource 130. Accordingly, when the hydraulic actuators 122 are movedtoward the retracted position, hydraulic fluid is added to eachactuator's rod end 126 and removed from the head end 124. The removedhydraulic fluid is directed into the return line 144 to be recycledthrough the system return 146 back to the hydraulic fluid source 130.

In the illustrated embodiment, flow of the hydraulic fluid through thesystem 102 is controlled at least in part by a control valve module 148.The control valve module 148 is connected to the extend line 136 and tothe return line 144 to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and fromthe head end 124 of each hydraulic actuator 122. The control valvemodule 148 has a directional control valve 150 connected to the extendline 136 and the return line 144. The directional control valve 150 isadjustable between a plurality of positions to direct hydraulic fluidflow through either the extend line 136 or the return line 144. Thedirectional control valve 150 is also movable to a neutral position thatprevents the hydraulic fluid from flowing through both of the extend andreturn lines 136 and 144, respectively. Accordingly, when thedirectional control valve 150 is in this neutral position, the hydraulicactuators 122 and the flaps 108 are securely held in a fixed positionand resist the air loads exerted on the flaps.

The control valve module 148 of the illustrated embodiment also includesa pair of solenoids 152 coupled to the extend and return lines 136 and144, respectively, and operatively connected to the directional controlvalve 150. The solenoids 152 can be activated to facilitate the flow ofhydraulic fluid through the directional control valve 150 for thedesired movement of the hydraulic actuators 122 toward either theextended or retracted positions. While the illustrated embodimentutilizes a directional control valve 150 and solenoids 152 in thecontrol valve module 148, other valving configurations can be used inalternate embodiments to control the flow of the hydraulic fluid to andfrom the actuator assemblies 120.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic view of one of the actuator assemblies120 in the system 102 of FIG. 2. The illustrated actuator assembly 120is representative of all of the actuator assemblies in the system 102 ofthe embodiment described above. The actuator assembly 120 has a valvemechanism 154 connected to the extend line 136. The valve mechanism 154is adjustable to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from thehead end 124 of the hydraulic actuator 122, thereby controlling theposition and movement of the hydraulic actuator. The valve mechanism 154is configured to modulate the flow to the head end 124 of each hydraulicactuator 122 to ensure that the entire system 102 (FIG. 2) and theassociated flaps 108 remain synchronized with the slowest-movinghydraulic actuator. Because the air loads on the actuator assemblies 120during operation of the aircraft 100 (FIG. 1) always tend to retract thehydraulic actuators 122, the valve mechanisms 154 provide additionalcontrol of the flow of the hydraulic fluid against the aerodynamicforces exerted on the flaps 108. For example, the valve mechanismsprovide a “meter in” flow control for loads that work against thehydraulic actuators 122 and the associated flap 108. During flapextension the valve mechanisms 154 also provide a “meter out” flowcontrol for loads that aid the retracting movement of the hydraulicactuators 122 and the associated flap 108 during flap retraction.

While the illustrated embodiment has the valve mechanism 154 connectedto the extend line 136, the valve mechanism can be connected to theretract line 138 in another embodiment. In addition, the valve mechanism154 of the illustrated embodiment is a servovalve, although other valvemechanisms can be used in alternate embodiments to provide anactuator-position control device within each actuator assembly 120.

The actuator assembly 120 also includes a blocking valve 156 connectedto the retract line 138 and to the extend line 136. The blocking valve156 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In theopen position, the blocking valve 156 allows the hydraulic fluid to flowsubstantially freely through the retract line 138 and the extend line136 during normal movement of the hydraulic actuator 122. When a certaincondition exists in the system 102, such as during a loss of hydraulicpressure, the blocking valve 156 automatically moves to the closedposition. In the closed position, the blocking valve 156 blocks allhydraulic fluid flow to and from the hydraulic actuator 122 through bothof the extend and retract lines 136 and 138, respectively. When theblocking valve 156 is in the closed position, the hydraulic actuator 122is locked in place, thereby locking the associated flap 108 in a fixedposition until the blocking valve is reopened.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blocking valve 156 is apressure-sensitive shutoff valve that is spring-biased toward the closedposition. If hydraulic pressure drops below a threshold level in theretract line 138, a spring 158 will automatically move the blockingvalve 156 to the closed position, thereby locking the hydraulic actuator122 in a fixed position. Accordingly, the actuator assemblies 120 withthe blocking valves 156 provide a safety feature that will hold theassociated flap 108 in a last-commanded position in the event of asystem malfunction, even in response to the air loads on the flap.Although the illustrated embodiment utilizes a pressure-sensitiveshutoff valve for the blocking valve 156, alternate embodiments can useother valving configurations, such as a solenoid-controlled valve orother valving mechanism.

The actuator assembly 120 also includes a position sensor 160 connectedto the hydraulic actuator 122. The position sensor 160 is configured tomonitor the position and movement of each actuator 122, which allows forindirect monitoring of the position and movement of each flap 108 towhich each hydraulic actuator is connected. The position sensor 160 ofthe illustrated embodiment is a linear transducer, although other sensordevices can be used in alternate embodiments. In other embodiments, aposition sensor can be applied to a flap 108, which allows for indirectmonitoring of the position and movement of the hydraulic actuatorbetween the extended and retracted positions.

In the illustrated embodiment, each position sensor 160 is operativelyconnected to a flight control computer 162 on the aircraft 100 (FIG. 1).The flight control computer 162 monitors and compares the position andmovement of each actuator assembly 120 and its associated flap 108 toensure there is simultaneous and uniform movement of the flaps inresponse to a pilot's command. The flight control computer 162 is alsooperatively connected to the valve mechanism 154 in each actuatorassembly 120. The flight control computer 162 effectively modulates allof the valve mechanisms 154 to control synchronized movement of theactuator assemblies 120 and flaps 108.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the flight control computer 162 is alsooperatively connected to the control valve module 148, and is configuredto monitor and adjust the directional control valve 150 and thesolenoids 152. Accordingly, the flight control computer 162 controls theflow of hydraulic fluid to and from the head end 124 of the hydraulicactuators 122, thereby controlling movement of the flaps 108 between theextended and retracted positions. When the actuator assemblies 120 havemoved the flaps 108 to the correct position in response to a pilot'scommand, the flight control computer 162 can switch the directionalcontrol valve 150 to the neutral position and lock the actuatorassemblies 120 in the commanded position. In addition, if the flightcontrol computer 162 determines that the movement of the actuatorassemblies 120 is not uniform or is abnormal, the flight controlcomputer can activate the control valve module 148 to lock the actuatorassemblies and flaps 108 in a fixed or last-commanded position.Therefore, the control valve module 148, when in the neutral position,provides a backup blocking system to lock the actuator assemblies 120and the flaps 108 in a fixed position, either in response to normalflight commands or in response to an abnormal condition.

Referring again to FIG. 2, when the actuator assemblies 120 and flaps108 are to be moved toward the retracted position, the control valvemodule 148 receives a signal from the flight control computer 162 toactivate the retract solenoid 152 a. The retract solenoid 152 a movesthe directional control valve 150 to the retract position. High-pressurehydraulic fluid is directed through the retract line 138 and is addedinto the rod end 126 of each hydraulic actuator 122. In the illustratedembodiment, actuator retraction is effected by simply coupling the headend 124 of the hydraulic actuator 122 to the system return 146 via thereturn line 144. Accordingly, the head end 124 of each hydraulicactuator 122 is substantially unpressurized. The high-pressure hydraulicfluid at the rod end 126 of the hydraulic actuator 122 will cause theactuator assembly 120 to move toward the retracted position. As thehydraulic fluid is added into the rod end 126, hydraulic fluid is forcedout of the head end 124. As the hydraulic fluid flows from the head end124, the directional control valve 150 directs the hydraulic fluid flowinto the return line 144 and back toward the system return 146.

When the flaps 108 are to remain stationary in a position commanded bythe pilot, the directional control valve 150 in the control valve module148 remains in the neutral position. If an unintended positional changeoccurs to any of the actuator assemblies 120, the flight controlcomputer 162 activates the control surface drive system 102 to lock thehydraulic actuators 122 and the flaps 108 in the last-commandedposition. The flight control computer 162 then provides a signal to thepilot annunciating the status of the flap configuration. Under currentFederal Aviation Regulations, flap panel skews due to air loads areconsidered acceptable if annunciated to the pilot.

To extend the actuator assemblies 120 toward the extended position, theflight control computer 162 activates the extend solenoid 152 b and thedirectional control valve 150 is moved to the extend position. Movementof the hydraulic actuator 122 against an opposing load toward theextended position is caused by the pressure applied to the differentialarea between the head end 124 and the rod end 126 in the actuator 122.Accordingly, high-pressure hydraulic fluid is ported from the extendline 136 into the head end 124 of each hydraulic actuator 122. Theflight control computer modulates actuator extension by controlling thepressurized hydraulic fluid to the head end 124 of the hydraulicactuator 122. As the hydraulic fluid moves into the head end 124 and theactuators 122 move toward the extended position, hydraulic fluid isforced out of the rod end 126 back along the retract line 138.

In the illustrated embodiment, a bypass line 164 is coupled at one endto the retract line 138 and at the other end to the extend line 136. Thebypass line 164 is connected to a one-way check valve 166 that allowsthe hydraulic fluid to flow through the bypass line in only onedirection, namely toward the extend line 136. In the illustratedembodiment, the check valve 166 is a pressure-relief check valve,although other valve mechanisms can be used in alternate embodiments.

When the hydraulic actuators 122 are moved toward the extended position,the hydraulic fluid from the rod end 126 moves back along the retractline 138 and into the bypass line 164. The check valve 140 in theretract line 138 is positioned to allow the backflow of hydraulic fluidinto the bypass line 164, but the check valve prevents further backflowthrough the retract line toward the hydraulic fluid source 130. In theillustrated embodiment, the check valve 142 is also provided in thesupply lines 134 at a position upstream of the bypass line 164 to avoidbackflow or back driving of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic source 130.

The bypass line 164 directs the hydraulic fluid from the retract line138 back into the extend line 136, which carries the hydraulic fluidtoward the head end 124 of the hydraulic actuator 122. Accordingly, thebypass line 164 provides a bypass or “run around” circuit that allowslocal recycling of the hydraulic fluid volume for use by the actuatorassemblies 120. The system 102 does not provide a significant demand onthe aircraft's primary hydraulic system 128, and the primary hydraulicsystem only needs to provide enough hydraulic fluid to make up thedifference between the volume in the head end 124 and the volume in therod end 126 of the actuator assemblies 120. Therefore, the system 102requires a minimum amount of hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluidsource 130, which provides for a significant weight and cost savings forthe aircraft 100 (FIG. 1).

The control surface drive system 102 illustrated in FIG. 2 also includesa dedicated alternate mode power system 170 that can be used totemporarily operate the actuator assemblies 120 in the event that theprimary hydraulic source 130 or power source 132 is unavailable.Accordingly, the power system 170 provides a dedicated backup powersystem within each control surface drive system 102 to drive theactuator assemblies 120 and the flaps 108. In the illustratedembodiment, the power system 170 includes a hydraulic line 172 thatdefines a backup circuit connected to the retract line 138.

A pump 174 is connected to the hydraulic line 172 and is operativelyconnected to the flight control computer 162. The pump 174 can beactivated to pressurize and pump hydraulic fluid for operation of allactuator assemblies 120 in the system 102. In the illustratedembodiment, the pump 174 is a self-contained, AC motor pump, althoughother dedicated pump mechanisms could be used in alternate embodiments.

The alternate mode power system 170 also includes a check valve 176connected to the hydraulic line 172 on one side of the pump 174, and avalve assembly 178 connected to the hydraulic line 172 on the other sideof the pump 174. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 178is a motor-operated shutoff valve operatively connected to the flightcontrol computer 162. The valve assembly 178 is movable between anormal, blocked mode and an activated mode. In the normal, blocked mode,the power system 170 is not activated and the valve assembly 178 blocksthe hydraulic fluid from flowing through the hydraulic line 172. In theactivated mode, the valve assembly 178 is switched to allow the pump 174to pump hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic line 172 to operate theactuator assemblies 120.

The power system 170 of the illustrated embodiment provides enoughhydraulic power so the actuator assemblies 120 can be moved to positionand retain the flaps 108 in a suitable landing configuration. The powersystem 170 can be configured in another embodiment to allow for fullflap extension. In other alternate embodiments, the dedicated powersystem 170 can be configured for less than full movement of the actuatorassemblies 120, provided that the power system meets the requirements ofpilot procedures or federal aviation regulations.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an arrangement in accordance with anotherembodiment having a plurality of the control surface drive systems 102.In this alternate embodiment, the system 102 has a left-side controlsurface drive system 102 a (“left system 102 a”) and a right-sidecontrol surface drive system 102 b (“right system 102 b”). Each of theleft and right systems 102 a and 102 b is operatively connected to theaircraft's primary hydraulic system 128. The left system 102 a isconnected to the aircraft's left wing 106 a (FIG. 1) and has fouractuator assemblies 120. Two of the actuator assemblies 120 areconnected to the left inboard flap 108 a, and the other two actuatorassemblies are connected to the left outboard flap 108 b.

The right system 102 b is connected to the aircraft's right wing 106 b(FIG. 1) and also has four actuator assemblies 120, two connected to theright inboard flap 108 a and two connected to the right outboard flap108 b. The configuration and operation of each of the left and rightsystems 102 a and 102 b is substantially identical to the system 102described above with reference to FIG. 2. In the illustrated embodiment,the left system 102 a includes a control module 148 to service the leftwing, and the right system 102 b includes a different control modulethat services the right wing. In another embodiment, the left and rightsystems 102 a and 102 b can be connected to a single control module 148that services both wings. In the illustrated embodiment, each of theleft and right systems 102 a and 102 b provides a bypass circuit withthe bypass line 164 and check valve 166, as discussed above. Each of theleft and right systems 102 a and 102 b also have a dedicatedalternate-mode power system 170 for operation of the actuator assemblies120 and the flaps 108 during operation of the aircraft 100 (FIG. 1).

Each of the left and right systems 102 a and 102 b are operativelyconnected to the single flight control computer 162. The flight controlcomputer 162 simultaneously monitors and controls both of the left andright systems 102 a and 102 b. Accordingly, the flight control computer162 ensures simultaneous and consistent operation of the flaps 108 onboth left and right wings 106 a and 106 b during normal operation. Theflight control computer 162 also provides the equivalent of a mechanicalinterconnection between the left and right systems 102 a and 102 b,respectively, to provide wing-to-wing symmetry of the flaps 108 duringoperation of the aircraft 100 (FIG. 1).

In another embodiment, a single control surface drive system 102substantially identical to the system described above can have eightactuator assemblies 120, four of which are on each wing 106. This singlesystem 102 with the eight actuator assemblies 120 could be configured tosimultaneously control the flaps on both wings 106. In other alternateembodiments, a separate dedicated control surface drive system 102 couldbe provided to control each flap or other selected control surfaces.Accordingly, an aircraft 100 (FIG. 1) with four flaps would have fourseparate control surface drive systems 102. In this alternateembodiment, each control surface drive system 102 is operativelyconnected to, and controlled by, the flight control computer 158.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the invention. As an example, one embodimentprovides an actuator control system having actuator assemblies 120 withpneumatic actuators or other fluid-driven actuators coupled to apressurized fluid system to drive and control the fluid-drivenactuators. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by theappended claims.

I claim:
 1. A control surface drive system for moving an aircraftcontrol surface, the system being coupleable to a source of hydraulicfluid, comprising: first and second supply lines and a return linecoupleable to the source of hydraulic fluid; a plurality of actuatorassemblies coupled to the first and second supply lines and to thereturn line, at least one of the actuator assemblies having: a hydraulicactuator connectable to the aircraft control surface and being movablebetween first and second positions, the hydraulic actuator configured toreceive hydraulic fluid from the first supply line when the hydraulicactuator moves toward the first position, and configured to receivehydraulic fluid from the second supply line when the hydraulic actuatormoves toward the second position; a flow blocking member coupled to thefirst and second supply lines and being movable between an open positionand a closed position, with the flow blocking member in the closedposition preventing movement of the hydraulic fluid to and from thehydraulic actuator; a flow control assembly connected to the return lineand to at least one of the first and second supply lines; a bypass linein fluid communication with the first and second supply lines andpositioned to direct hydraulic fluid from one of the first and secondsupply lines into the other one of the first and second supply lines ata position intermediate the source and the hydraulic actuator when thehydraulic actuator moves toward the first position to recycle thehydraulic fluid back into the other one of the first and second supplylines; and a computer controller operatively interconnecting theplurality of actuator assemblies and the flow control assembly.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the at least one of the actuator assembliesincludes a position sensor connected to the hydraulic actuator and tothe computer controller.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein theflow-blocking member is a valve biased toward the closed position. 4.The system of claim 1 wherein the flow blocking member is apressure-sensitive valve.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the at leastone of the actuator assemblies has a valve member connected to one ofthe first and second supply lines and being adjustable to modulate flowof hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic actuator.
 6. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the flow control assembly is an adjustable valve memberconfigured to control a flow of the hydraulic fluid through the returnline and the at least one of the first and second supply lines.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a valve connected to the bypassline to prevent backflow of the hydraulic fluid.
 8. The system of claim1 wherein the first position of the hydraulic actuator is an extendedposition and the second position is a retracted position, the hydraulicactuator being configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the firstsupply line to move toward the extended position, and configured toreceive hydraulic fluid from the second supply line to move toward theretracted position.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising analternate mode power system coupled to the plurality of actuatorassemblies and dedicated for operation of the plurality of actuatorassemblies.
 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an alternatemode power system having a hydraulic line connected to at least one ofthe first and second supply lines, and a pump connected to the hydraulicline, the pump being positioned to direct hydraulic fluid to theplurality of actuator assemblies.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein thealternate mode power system includes the flow control member connectedto the hydraulic line and operatively coupled to the control computer.12. The system of claim 10 wherein the pump is an AC motor pump, and thealternate mode power system includes a motor-operated shutoff valveconnected to the hydraulic line.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein theflow control assembly includes a valve movable between a first valveposition for movement of the hydraulic actuator toward the firstposition, a second valve position for movement of the hydraulic actuatortoward the second position, and a third valve position that restrictsthe hydraulic actuator from moving.
 14. The system of claim 1 whereinthe control computer is a flight control computer.
 15. An aircraftsystem, comprising: first and second control surfaces; a source ofhydraulic fluid; a first control system coupled to the first controlsurface and a second control system coupled to the second controlsurface, each of the first and second control systems comprising: firstand second supply lines coupled to the source of hydraulic fluid; areturn line coupled to the source of hydraulic fluid; a hydraulicactuator connected to at least one of the first and second aircraftcontrol surfaces, the hydraulic actuator being movable between first andsecond positions, the hydraulic actuator configured to receive hydraulicfluid from the first supply line when the hydraulic actuator movestoward the first position, and configured to receive hydraulic fluidfrom the second supply line when the hydraulic actuator moves toward thesecond position; a flow blocking member coupled to the first and secondsupply lines and being movable between an open position and a closedposition, the flow blocking member in the closed position preventsmovement of the hydraulic fluid to and from the hydraulic actuator; aflow control assembly connected to the return line and to at least oneof the first and second supply lines; a bypass line in fluidcommunication with the first and second supply lines and positioned todirect hydraulic fluid from one of the first and second supply linesinto the other one of the first and second supply lines upstream of thehydraulic actuator when the hydraulic actuator moves toward the firstposition to recycle the hydraulic fluid back into the other one of thefirst and second supply lines; and a computer controller operativelyinterconnecting the first and second control systems.
 16. The aircraftsystem of claim 15 wherein the first aircraft control surface is a firstwing flap, and the second aircraft control surface is a second wingflap.
 17. The aircraft system of claim 15 wherein each first and secondcontrol system further comprises a position sensor coupled to thehydraulic actuator and to the computer controller.
 18. The aircraftsystem of claim 15 wherein the flow blocking member includes apressure-sensitive valve.
 19. The aircraft system of claim 15 whereinthe at least one of the first and second control systems furtherincludes a valve member connected to one of the first and second supplylines and being adjustable to modulate flow of hydraulic fluid to andfrom the hydraulic actuator.
 20. The aircraft system of claim 15 whereinthe flow control assembly is an adjustable valve member configured tocontrol a flow of the hydraulic fluid through the return line and the atleast one of the first and second supply lines.
 21. The aircraft systemof claim 15 wherein the first position of the hydraulic actuator is anextended position and the second position is a retracted position, thehydraulic actuator being configured to receive hydraulic fluid from thefirst supply line to move toward the extended position, and configuredto receive hydraulic fluid from the second supply line to move towardthe retracted position.
 22. The aircraft system of claim 15 wherein atleast one of the first and second control systems further comprises apower system coupled to the hydraulic actuator and dedicated foroperation with the at least one of the first and second control systems.23. The aircraft system of claim 22 wherein the power system includes ahydraulic line connected to at least one of the first and second supplylines, and a pump connected to the hydraulic line, the pump beingpositioned to direct hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.
 24. Theaircraft system of claim 22 wherein the power system includes the flowcontrol member connected to the hydraulic line and operatively coupledto the control computer.
 25. The aircraft system of claim 15 wherein theflow control assembly includes a valve movable between a first valveposition for movement of the hydraulic actuator toward the firstposition, a second valve position for movement of the hydraulic actuatortoward the second position, and a third valve position that restrictsthe hydraulic actuator from moving.
 26. The aircraft system of claim 15wherein the flow blocking member controller is a pressure-sensitivevalve biased toward a closed position.
 27. The aircraft system of claim15, further comprising a fuselage and a wing connected to the fuselage,at least one of the first and second control surfaces being connected tothe wing.
 28. An aircraft system, comprising: first and second aircraftcontrol surfaces; a source of hydraulic fluid; a first control systemcoupled to the first aircraft control surface and a second controlsystem coupled to the second aircraft control surface, each of the firstand second control systems comprising: first and second supply linescoupled to the source of hydraulic fluid; a return line coupled to thesource of hydraulic fluid; a hydraulic actuator connected to at leastone of the first and second aircraft control surfaces, the hydraulicactuator having a first port in fluid communication with the firstsupply line and a second port isolated from the first port and in fluidcommunication with the second supply line; a first flow controllercoupled to the first and second supply lines and movable between a firstposition that allows hydraulic fluid to move to and from the hydraulicactuator and a second position that prevents movement of the hydraulicfluid to and from the hydraulic actuator to retain the hydraulicactuator in a fixed position; a second flow controller coupled to atleast the first and second supply lines and configured to control theflow of hydraulic fluid to and from at least one of the first and secondports; a flow control assembly connected to the first supply line and tothe return line, the flow control assembly being configured to controlthe flow of hydraulic fluid in one direction from the first supply lineto at least one of the hydraulic actuators and to control the flow ofhydraulic fluid in another direction from the hydraulic actuator to thereturn line; and a bypass line in fluid communication with the first andsecond supply lines in a position intermediate the source and thehydraulic actuator and positioned to provide hydraulic fluid from thesecond supply line into the first supply line upstream of the hydraulicactuator; and a flight control computer operatively interconnecting thefirst and second control systems.
 29. The aircraft system of claim 28wherein the firs t aircraft control surface is a first wing flap, andthe second aircraft control surface is a second wing flap.
 30. Theaircraft system of claim 28, further comprising a first dedicatedalternate mode power system connected to the first control system and asecond dedicated alternate mode power system connected to the secondcontrol system.
 31. The aircraft system of claim 28, further comprisinga dedicated backup power system connected to the first control systemand being independent of the second control system, the backup powersystem including a hydraulic line connected to the second supply line,and a pump connected to the hydraulic line and configured to pumphydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator.
 32. The aircraft system ofclaim 28 where in the flow control assembly is a blocking valve movablebetween an open and a closed position.
 33. The aircraft system of claim28 wherein the second flow controller is connected to the second supplyline.
 34. The aircraft system of claim 28 wherein the hydraulic actuatoris movable between extended and retracted positions, the first supplyline configured to provide the hydraulic fluid to move the hydraulicactuator toward the extended position and the second supply lineconfigured to provide the hydraulic fluid to move the hydraulic actuatortoward the retracted position.
 35. The aircraft system of claim 28wherein the flow control valve assembly includes a valve movable betweena first position that controls a flow of hydraulic fluid through thefirst supply line, a second position that controls a flow of hydraulicfluid through the return line, and a third position that restricts flowof the hydraulic fluid through the first supply line and through thereturn line.
 36. The aircraft system of claim 28, further comprising afuselage and a wing connected to the fuselage, at least one of the firstand second control surfaces being connected to the wing.